Lead Auditor

ISOQAR; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced Parental Leave

Generous annual leave

Healthcare Plan

Annual Giving Day

Car Allowance or Company Car

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Life Assurance – 3X base salary

Rewards Program

LinkedIn Learning License

Job summary

A leading certification body based in Manchester is seeking a Lead Auditor. You will conduct independent third-party audits across various sectors, offering insights into organizational management systems. The role requires strong operational experience and communication skills, as well as a willingness to travel. Successful candidates will receive training and qualifications in ISO standards, alongside a competitive benefits package including enhanced parental leave, healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Comfortable with regional and national travel.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Integrity, technical knowledge, and quality reporting.
• Willingness to travel regionally/nationally.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead independent, third-party audits.
• Prepare clear and impartial audit reports.
• Host meetings to communicate audit findings.
• Build professional client relationships.
• Continue developing industry knowledge.
• Complete auditor training for Lead Auditor qualifications.

Skills

Hands-on operational experience

Strong communication skills

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Client relationship development

Auditing experience

Education

Lead Auditor qualification training (ISO 9001/14001/45001)

Job description

Department: Audit

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Manchester, UK

Reporting To: Regional Operations Manager

Description

At ISOQAR, we draw on our experience, knowledge, and ambition to empower organisations to achieve their highest potential. Through our robust portfolio of progressive solutions, comprehensive range of certifications and industry-leading insights, we lead by example to amplify excellence within the organisations that we support.

Due to continued growth, we are expanding our Lead Auditor team across the North West of England. Our Lead Auditors work with a diverse client base spanning construction, manufacturing, chemicals, facilities management, engineering, transport, warehousing, and more. You will deliver independent, evidence-based third‑party audits that provide organisations with clear insight into the effectiveness of their management systems.

We are particularly interested in individuals with strong hands‑on industry experience and a sound understanding of operational environments, compliance frameworks, and regulatory requirements.

Previous auditing experience is advantageous but not essential. Following Global and Divisional inductions, you will complete a structured 12‑week training programme combining structured learning, supervised on‑site audit experience, and shadowing. This programme leads to qualification in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed as a certified Lead Auditor.

What that means day to day

• Plan, conduct, and lead independent, third‑party audits
• Gather objective evidence and prepare clear, impartial audit reports
• Host opening and closing meetings to communicate findings
• Build and maintain professional client relationships
• Continue developing your knowledge of the industry and evolving standards
• Complete auditor training and achieve your Lead Auditor qualifications (supported by ISOQAR)

What you’ll need to be successful

You’ll bring hands‑on operational experience from a relevant industry or industries and understand how organisations operate day to day. Strong communication skills, analytical thinking and clear, accurate report writing are essential, alongside a professional and methodical approach.

You’ll also be comfortable with regional and national travel (including occasional overnight stays) and hold a full UK driving licence. Your integrity, technical knowledge, and ability to deliver high‑quality, value‑adding audit reports will enable you to thrive in this role.

What you’ll get in return

We want you to be able to do your best work here. We emphasise providing many ways to support our team to do their best work, and below are some of the perks and benefits we offer:

• 🍼 Enhanced Parental Leave
• 🌴 Generous annual leave
• 🏥 Healthcare Plan
• 💟 Annual Giving Day – an extra day to give back to yourself or your community
• 🚗 Car Allowance or Company Car

Future Planning

• 💰 Pension scheme with employer contributions
• 🧬 Life Assurance – 3X base salary
• 💸 Rewards Program – access to discounts and cashback
• 🏫 LinkedIn Learning License for upskilling & development

Interested, but don’t feel you meet all the requirements?

We know that transferable skills and potential are just as valuable as experience. If you don’t meet every criterion but believe you have the aptitude and drive to succeed, we’d still love to hear from you. We’ll assess applications individually and consider whether we can provide the right support to help you develop and succeed in the role.

Bring Your Whole Self To Work.

ISOQAR is proudly an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring that no candidate is discriminated against because of gender identity and expression, race, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, colour, region, creed, national origin, or sex. We are dedicated to growing a diverse team while continuing to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and empowered to be themselves.

What You Can Expect If You Apply

• A response to your application within 15 working days
• An interview process consisting of:
  • An initial discovery call with the recruiter
  • Competency based interview with the stakeholders you’ll be working with closely in the role

We’re keen to ensure our hiring process allows you to be at your best, so if you need us to make any adjustments, please just let us know.